Oku Nikko Nature: How to Get Around (Tochigi)

Spreading across a plateau at around 1,200 meters elevation, Oku Nikko is a treasury of wild nature representing Nikko National Park. Cobalt blue Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls (one of Japan three great waterfalls), and the vast Senjogahara marsh await beyond the winding Irohazaka slope. This course lets you tour the cool, scenic highlands over a full day.

Course Route

9:00 Start at the shore of Lake Chuzenji Take a bus from Nikko Station up the Irohazaka slope to the lakeshore. The lake sits at 1,269 meters and stretches about 25 kilometers around. Begin by gazing at the clear water and taking a deep breath.

9:40 View Kegon Falls Head to Kegon Falls, just near the lake. Water from Lake Chuzenji plunges about 97 meters in one drop, a truly powerful sight. An elevator takes you down to a viewing platform near the basin.

11:00 Hike Senjogahara Walk the vast marsh of Senjogahara at the foot of Mount Nantai. Well maintained boardwalks let you stroll pleasantly while watching seasonal flowers and wild birds.

12:30 Lunch in the highlands Rest at an eatery by the lake or near Ryuzu Falls. Enjoy highland flavors such as rainbow trout dishes.

14:00 Ryuzu Falls and Yu Falls Enjoy a tour of scattered waterfalls, including Ryuzu Falls where the stream splits over rocks, and Yu Falls dropping from Lake Yunoko.

16:00 Return to the lakeshore Take a bus back to the lakeshore and descend the Irohazaka slope toward Nikko Station.

Highlights

The greatest highlight is Kegon Falls, counted among Japan three great waterfalls. It changes its expression by season and time of day, and is exceptional in both fresh green and autumn foliage. Senjogahara is an open, unobstructed marsh where clear days reveal a grand view with Mount Nantai in the background. In autumn the whole area turns golden.

Access and Tips

Lake Chuzenji is about 40 minutes by bus from Nikko Station. The Irohazaka slope along the way is famous for 48 consecutive curves, with separate roads for ascent and descent. Oku Nikko sits high and stays cooler than the city, so bringing a light layer is wise even in summer. The spots are linked by bus, so a free pass is convenient.

Practical Travel Notes

• Kegon Falls elevator: The elevator down to the viewing platform near the basin is a round trip service, a guide of about 600 yen for adults, about 400 yen for elementary school children, and free for preschoolers. Hours are 8:00 to 17:00 from March to November, and about 9:00 to 16:30 in winter. There is also a free viewing area that looks down from above.
• Strolling Senjogahara and the falls: Walking the boardwalks and trails is free. Senjogahara has routes of more than an hour one way, so choose your walking range to match your stamina and time.
• Getting around: Lake Chuzenji is about 40 minutes by bus from Nikko Station. The Oku Nikko spots are linked by bus, so a free pass makes getting on and off convenient and economical.
• Clothing and gear: It sits high and stays cool even in summer, so bring a layer and comfortable shoes. The boardwalks can be slippery after rain, so watch your step.

A Quick Tip

Irohazaka becomes heavily congested in foliage season, so public transport is recommended. Kegon Falls looks different from the free area above and from the paid elevator platform, so use the elevator if you want the full power of the view. The marsh boardwalks feel especially refreshing in the clear morning air, so aim to start early.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Nikko Natural Science Museum, Tochigi Prefecture (on the shore of Lake Chuzenji): Open 9:00 to 17:00 from April 1 to November 10, and 10:00 to 16:00 from November 11 to March 31 (last entry 30 minutes before closing). Admission is 510 yen for adults (high school age and above) and 260 yen for children (age 4 to junior high school). It is open every day from May to November; from December to April it closes on Mondays (moved to the next available day when Monday is a public holiday) and over the New Year period (December 29 to January 3).
• Parking at Yudaki Falls: 200 yen for motorcycles, 500 yen for ordinary cars, 1,000 yen for microbuses and 2,000 yen for large buses. It is open free of charge from early December to early April, but closes when there is snow, and the toilets are also closed in winter.
• Bus free passes: The Tobu Bus Chuzenji Onsen Free Pass costs 2,300 yen for adults and 1,150 yen for children, and the Yumoto Onsen Free Pass costs 3,500 yen for adults and 1,750 yen for children; both are valid for 2 days.
• Inquiries: 0288-22-1525 (Nikko City Tourism Association), 0288-55-0880 (Nikko Natural Science Museum, Tochigi Prefecture)
• Official information: Nikko Natural Science Museum official website, Nikko Tabi Navi tourism site (Nikko City Tourism Association), Tobu Bus On-Line

Note: The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Hours and prices may change, so please check official sources before you set out.